Sales & Use Tax
Every retail or wholesale merchant selling, renting or leasing taxable tangible personal property in North Carolina must obtain a Certificate of Registration unless specifically exempt by statute. In addition, businesses performing installation, maintenance, and repair services are required to register and collect sales tax. Once registered, you will receive information from the Department of Revenue on sales and use tax reporting and remittance requirements.
Apply online for your Sales and Use Tax number, complete the Application for Sales and Use Tax (Form NC-BR) or contact the North Carolina Department of Revenue at 877.252.3052.
For more information about when a business is required to register and collect sales tax, please review the annual update or contact the North Carolina Department of Revenue at 877.252.3052.
Privilege License Tax
Effective July 1, 2024, the State Privilege License Tax is required for loan agencies, pawnbrokers, and check casher companies in North Carolina and the license should be applied for before business commences. The privilege license is not a certification the holder is qualified to perform a specific business or profession. It is a tax for the privilege of doing business in the state. Our small business advisors can tell you about any privilege licenses that might apply to your business.
Download the Application for State Privilege License (Form B-202A) or contact the North Carolina Department of Revenue at 877.252.3052
Franchise & Income Tax
A franchise tax is imposed on corporations for the privilege of doing business in North Carolina. This tax is due annually as long as the corporation remains incorporated, domesticated or continues to do business in the state. For questions concerning franchise and income tax obligations, visit the North Carolina Department of Revenue’s Corporate Taxes page or call 877.252.3052.
Business Personal Property Tax
As a business owner, you are responsible for listing your business personal property with the County Tax Assessor. Business personal property includes but is not limited to machinery, computer/office equipment, furniture equipment, and farm equipment. The listing and payment is due to your County Finance or Tax Office during the month of January to avoid a 10% late list penalty. Contact your County Finance Department for more information.
State Withholding Taxes
State withholding taxes are withheld from employee wages and remitted to the North Carolina Department of Revenue. To register with the State of North Carolina, complete an Application for Income Tax Withholding (Form NC-BR), apply online or contact the Department of Revenue at 877.252.3052.
Unemployment Insurance Tax
The North Carolina unemployment insurance program is designed to provide temporary economic benefits to eligible workers. To determine the extent of your obligation, contact your local Division of Employment Security Job Service Center.
Workers’ Compensation
The Workers’ Compensation Act is administered by the North Carolina Industrial Commission. It requires any employer with three or more employees to provide workers’ compensation coverage. Any sole proprietor or partner of a business whose employees are eligible for benefits may also be covered as an employee. To obtain workers’ compensation insurance, contact your insurance agent.
New Hire Reporting Guide
Federal and state law require employers to report newly hired and re-hired employees to the North Carolina State Directory of New Hires. Register with the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services online or by phone at 888.514.4568.
Occupational Safety And Health Act (OSHA) Of North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Labor administers and implements the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of North Carolina. OSHA standards protect workers from unsafe and unhealthy working conditions. For information regarding OSHA requirements, contact the North Carolina Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Division or call 1.800.625.2267.
Federal Taxes
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires every employer who pays wages to one or more employees file an application for an employer identification number (EIN). To register, file an Application for Employer Identification Number (Form SS-4) or contact the IRS at 800.829.4933.
The Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) is the tax contribution to Social Security and Medicare.
Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
The U.S. Department of Labor administers and enforces the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) rules designed to protect workers from workplace hazards.
For information regarding compliance with federal standards, contact the US Department of Labor Raleigh-Area Office at 919.790.8096 or visit OSHA.gov.
Employment Eligibility Verification
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify employment eligibility by completing and retaining a one-page Employment Eligibility Form (Form I-9).